How to install eSIM on your iPhone or iPad

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How to use a travel eSIM card on vacation

When do I install my eSIM on my iPhone?

We recommended you install your eSIM while you have a strong Wi-Fi or data connection to avoid installation errors.

If you’ve bought an eSIM data package to use on an international trip, it’s a good idea to install your eSIM while you’re still at home so you can make sure it’s installed correctly before you travel internationally.

But you can also install your eSIM when you’re already travelling internationally and you want to begin using eSIM data right away.

Will my data package activate as soon as I install my eSIM on my iPhone?

If you’ve bought an eSIM data package for another country and you’re installing your eSIM while you’re still at home, then your iPhone won’t be able to reach those international networks and your data package will not activate.

If you’ve bought an eSIM data package for the country you’re currently in, your data package will activate immediately during installation.

Can I watch eSIM installation video instructions instead?

Sure! If you’d rather watch an eSIM installation video to see how to install your eSIM on an iPhone or iPad, you can head right over to our YouTube channel and see each step described in video format.

WATCH THE VIDEO

How to install eSIM on your iPhone

Once you’ve bought a eSIM data package, you need to install your eSIM (SIM card) on your iPhone. You can do this while you’re still at home (before travelling) over Wi-Fi or data.

Install your eSIM on your iPhone using aloSIM

step 1

Open aloSIM and choose your eSIM

Open your aloSIM app and log in (or log into your account on your iPhone by visiting alosim.com). Then select “My eSIMs” in the bottom menu, select the eSIM you wish to install, and select “Install Your eSIM.”

Log into aloSIM > My eSIMs > Select your eSIM > Select “Install your eSIM”

Install your eSIM using aloSIM’s automatic method

step 2

Choose an eSIM installation method

As an iPhone user, you will probably see three eSIM installation methods: Automatic, QR code, and Manual. We recommend selecting “Automatic” if it’s available for your iPhone, since it’s the fastest and easiest method.

Begin Automatic eSIM installation (or view these instructions for QR code installation or manual installation)

step 3

Tap the "Continue" prompts

Our in-app instructions will show a preview of how the process will look, and then you can begin the eSIM installation. If you’re not yet in the correct country for this eSIM, it will simply install the eSIM but not activate your data package.

Tap “Continue” to approve the eSIM installation

Your Default Line is always your Primary SIM when using an eSIM for data because eSIMs don’t come with phone numbers

step 4

Always select your Primary SIM as your iPhone's Default Line

Choose your iPhone’s Primary SIM if you’re asked to choose a Default Line to make phone calls or send messages. (Even if you don’t plan on using your phone number while you’re travelling internationally, it still must remain your Default Line.)

If asked, choose your Primary SIM as your Default Line

Choose your Primary SIM for iMessage and FaceTime during iPhone eSIM installation

step 5

Always select your Primary SIM for iMessage & FaceTime

Even if you don’t plan on using your phone number while you’re travelling internationally, choose your Primary SIM for iMessage & FaceTime. (We’ll show you how to make sure iMessage and FaceTime are connected to your Apple ID so they work with or without your phone number.)

If asked, choose your Primary SIM for iMessage & FaceTime

step 6

Choose your iPhone's Cellular Data source

If you’re prompted to choose a default line for Cellular Data, that means your iPhone has more than one possible data source.

If you’re still at home, choose your Primary SIM for now

If you’re already travelling, choose your eSIM

aloSIM Your eSIM has now been successfully installed

step 7

Now you'll be returned to the aloSIM app

If your eSIM installation has worked correctly, you should be returned to the aloSIM app and see a message that says “Your eSIM has now been successfully installed.”

Your eSIM is now officially part of your iPhone, just like a physical SIM card. (Except this one can’t be lost or damaged, and you can keep it in there forever eSIMs never expire.)

Your eSIM data package will only auto-activate if you’re already located in the correct country and running the latest iOS software

step 8

Your data package will activate if you're already in the correct country

Already on vacation? Your eSIM data package will auto-activate and show as “ACTIVE” if you’re already in the correct country.

If you’re not yet in the correct country, your eSIM has been installed and it’s ready for when you need it.

step 9

Need help? We're always here!

If you have completed the steps above, but your eSIM did not install correctly, please contact aloSIM Technical Support via email (support@alosim.com), in-app chat, or live chat on aloSIM.com.

Need help? aloSIM’s Support team is available 24/7 if you have questions about any part of the iPhone eSIM activation process.

Should I use my phone number for international calling and texting

step 10

Ready to use your new data?

Now that your eSIM has been successfully installed, you can begin setting up your iPhone to use your prepaid data package. There are steps you can complete now, even if you’re not quite ready to use your data.

I’ll be using eSIM data with my regular phone number ON

I’ll be using eSIM data with my regular phone number OFF

Need prepaid data for your iPhone?

aloSIM has eSIM data packages for 200+ countries

Buy iPhone eSIMs

Questions about using eSIM with your iPhone?

Our friendly aloSIM Technical Support team is available 24/7 via email (support@alosim.com) and live chat.